FiGee Whisky Scotland Selection

Kilkerran 12 Years Old (2024 bottling) is a Campbeltown single malt | approximately 70 % ex-bourbon, 30 % ex-sherry, 46% volume, non-chill-filtered, no added colour — the flagship expression of Glengyle Distillery, revived in 2004 under Mitchell & Co. of Springbank fame. Campbeltown's characteristic gently peated, saline, fruity profile is at its clearest and most assured here: 12 years has given the Kilkerran spirit time to integrate the bourbon and sherry wood contributions into a balanced, cohesive whole.

MATURATION: approximately 70 % ex-bourbon casks, 30 % ex-oloroso sherry casks, matured 12 years at Glengyle Distillery, Campbeltown, bottled 2024 at 46% volume. Non-chill-filtered, no added colour. The bourbon-dominant vatting keeps the weight approachable while the sherry third adds raisin sweetness and spice depth — the balance is textbook Campbeltown.

SERVING: neat in a Glencairn at room temperature — 46% volume is perfectly calibrated and needs nothing added. A few drops of water can be interesting to open the saline, coastal peat layer beneath the fruit. An excellent everyday Campbeltown single malt for those who find heavily peated Islay too assertive: the peat is restrained, elegant and saline rather than medicinal. Also works well alongside smoked mackerel or a simple plate of cured meats.

Kilkerran 8 Years Old 2024 is Glengyle's annual cask-strength release from Campbeltown. This edition spent its full maturation in oloroso-seasoned oak and is bottled at 57.4% volume, non-chill-filtered and natural colour.

CASK PROGRAMME: There is no secondary finish and no blend of bourbon and sherry casks, so the maturation statement is simple: one age, one wood programme, bottled at cask strength.

SERVING: add water slowly in a Glencairn and give it time to settle before judging the spirit. It suits aged Manchego, Stilton, dark chocolate or fruit cake. With cigars, choose a medium-bodied Nicaraguan or Honduran robusto rather than something too heavy.